In a show of resilience, Silver Strikers started the defense of the Airtel top 8 with a 1 nil win over TN Stars in Dwangwa at the Chitowe Stadium in the first leg of the quarterfinal match.
Kabwe who had 3 of the four players he promoted from the reserve side in the starting XI showed tactical prowess as Silver managed to hold on to the lone goal which was scored in the 11th minute of the first half.
Patrick Macheso who curved the ball home past TN Keeper Kotei received an assist from striker Stain Davie whose 3 attempts were on target but 2 went straight to the keeper and 1 hit the woodwork.
TN Star’s got comfortable on the ball but did not get their desired goal as Fabio Kapinde fumbled with several chances to the delight of Silver Strikers and that led to his substitution during the halftime break.
The Stars of Kasungu tried to get a goal to push for a draw but Innocent Shema, Herbert Wayekha, Mark Fodya and captain Mike Robert made sure the ball did not get past the to keep Charles Thom’s sheet clean going into the second leg.
Zebron Kalima was voted man of the match of the game as his deft passes were a marvel to watch as he was the difference between the two teams.